Learn the tips and techniques for hosting a holiday party. This includes what wine to pair with what food, how much wine to order, and a step-by-step guide for tackling all of the little things that add up to successful party. You may be asking – where is the magic in that? Read on…
3 weeks prior to the event
- Finalize the guest list. For family & friends parties, start a group email or text thread to confirm on a date/time, find out if anyone has any dietary restrictions, and whether you want people to bring any dishes.
- Finalize the menu and share it via your email/text thread. (Optional) Confirm what food people will be bringing.
- Order your wines based on your menu. https://www.solreiwine.com/collections/wine For the amount of wine to purchase, keep in mind the length of the party. You’ll need more for longer gatherings. 1/2 to 3/4 of a bottle total per person as a rule of thumb.
For wine pairing ideas –
Appetizers - Smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, and crostini + Sol Rei Sauvignon Blanc
Entrée – Roast turkey and stuffing + Sol Rei Private Reserve Red Blend
Dessert – Pumpkin pie or Cranberry pound cake + Sol Rei Syrah
- Make list of all non-perishable incidentals needed and shop/order them. Examples include candles for the table, matches/lighter, extra coat hangers for the coat closet, toilet paper, new hand soap, linens if needed, disposable/plastic food containers if sending guests home with food, and firewood if you have a wood fireplace.
2 weeks prior to the event
- Create your music playlist and test it out.
- Iron linens for the table or send them to the dry cleaner for pressing.
- Review your menu and make sure that you have enough dishes and silverware. Buy, rent, or borrow as needed.
1 week prior to the event
- Make your grocery list and go shopping.
- Review your menu and start planning the order that each item will be cooked based on time, temperature, and whether it can be cooked on the stove or in the oven. Post this in your kitchen. This comes in very handy the day of your party!
- Start making the food that can be prepared in advance.
- Give your house a deep cleaning.
2 days prior to the event
- Buy flowers and create your centerpiece(s).
- Set the table.
- Set up your “stations” for where guests will congregate. I am a big fan of creating a beverage station with a bar cart if you don’t have a formal bar area and a separate area which will be used for appetizers away from where dinner will be served.
Day of event
- Give yourself extra time for getting yourself ready.
- Assemble the charcuterie board and appetizers and set them out.
- Put ice in the ice bucket at the beverage station and stock with non-alcoholic options.
- Get the music and fire going.
- Receive your guests and let them get their own drinks and appetizers while you finish cooking.
- After the food is on the table, take a deep breath and take in the magic. Yes, it will be magical - the light from the candles dancing off the glassware, the laughter that ebbs and flows like a tide, and the people that you hold so dear to your heart right around your table. In those moments, and the memories afterwards, it is all worth it!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
Katherine
(Photo above taken on my iPhone of the dinner table ready for guests at our most recent holiday gathering.)
